sick of being overweight

I have my consult with my surgeon on 1/3/2006 and I am hoping all will go well. If anyone has any advice for me I would truely appreciate it. My BMI is 50 and I have been heavy all of my life, and I just feel the only way I can be happy and healthy is to have WLS, because I have failed on every diet I have ever tried and feel this is my last attempt. Please let me know any info that may help, I would truely appreciate it. God Bless all of you.

Sheryl, welcome. You will find people here who know what you've endured and have decided to improve their health and quality of life. The only advice I have is not to view this as a "last attempt." Healthful living requires a lifelong commitment. If you stumble (and you will), then just start over the next day. Best of luck. Kasey 365/210 (nonop)

Sheryl, sending you big hugs! Welcome to a great place to make good friends who forsure know where you are and where you have been. Some of us have a great BMI than you. My first consultation with my doctor was just the start of many pre-surgery proceedures. I have no other than to suggest patience in the whole journey. Remember the answer to weightloss is not just the surgery, but a journey for your entire life. Happiness lies within you not in a wls..... and together here on the messageboards and through support we will all learn this! Thinking of you, Aunt Pam

Well, girl friend let me tell you, be ready for tests, tests, and more tests. But, they are all worth the effort. You will probley have a small book to fill out at the office, if your doc is like mine. You will need to list at least 6 months of supervised diets. Of course the dreaded weigh in at the doctors. He will probley also do blood tests that day, thyroid and H polyic. (maybe miss spelled) And tell you if you are a smoker to quit NOW, start walking. Get your PCP to write a letter of necessity, if you can get it before your visit, that would be great. You will have to see a shrink, get an EKG, chest x-ray(front & side view),see a nutritionist, if you have sleep apnea, they will want a sleep study, see a pulmonalogist, start your vitamins, like Juice Plus or a simalar kind like them at the health food store. These you will have to take for the rest of your life after surgery, and probley B-12 and some others. Your doc will tell you. Let's see Ladies have I forgot any other tests that need be done? And after all the paper work is done,and sent in to your insurance by your doctor, don't be affraid to give them a call after a week. Good luck as your journey starts, I hope to have my surgery some time after the 1st of the year, I go for my complications class this Thursday the 29th at 8:30 am. And be patient, it might seem like it is taking for ever, but just hang in there. Hugs, Lynda

Sheryl, This surgery has been the best thing I've done for myself. I was so tired of beng fat and having health problems. I could not get around without a cane, due to the pressure of my knees. I have been through 8 surgeries in the past 4 years and I'm only 44 years old. I've done really well, but, I must say, I really prepared myself for it. I was (and still am) so worried that even with WLS I may not be a success. I read 7 books about it and have really tried to follow the rules since my surgery. I exercise 6 days a week. I've lost 117 lbs, my surgery was May 23, 2005. I have 99 lbs to get to goal. I so hope I make it and so hope I keep it off, but, I realize this will take a lifetime commitment! Good luck, Sheryl. If you are really ready for this you will do well! Lori 384/267/168

I for got there is an other great website you should go to get some information on WLS. I am trying to get me a copy of it, but I am out of ink. The site is www.headbattles.com, I think it will also give you a lot of good information along with what you find out here, they are in my opinion the 2 best webs on WLS. Hugs, Lynda

I understand how u feel I am in the process of getting insurance approval. Welcome to the board there is a lot of nice people here. As for advice I guess be presistent and patient at the same time if that is possible. love marie

Sheryl, Congratulations to you as you begin your journey! There is a lot of information on the internet, some good, some not so good, some just lies. I have included some links that were helpful to me. You can access them but adding www. before the rest of the site address. You'll note that I included a regrets website. I think it's important to really know what you are getting into including potential problems. I wanted to make this decision with as many facts as I could gather and verify. This is my life we are talking about. I had Duodenal Switch procedure in August. I am very happy with the results, but I am less then 6 months out. It was important to me to see if patients had that same feeling 6 years out and/or what the problems were. And remember most PCP's, and some surgeons, are not specialists regarding WLS. They may have only been trained on one type and that is what they will push. Do your own research! Ask lots of questions. Get the procedure that is going to give you the results you want and need. After all, this is your life we are talking about. Good luck with your research. Robin 427/421/338/1?? obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/information/post+op+planner.php obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/information/wlsjourney/surgery+types.php dssurgery.com/generalinformation/comparison_shtml.php obesitysurgery-info.com/supportlists.htm